Ministry Foretells Half a Billion Br Water, Energy Projects

Jul 1 , 2023


[ssba-buttons]

Two projects targeting energy sources to ensure an eco-friendly and reliable power and water supply are underway with the Danish government signing a 555 million Br development plan last week. The agreement was signed between State Minister Semerta Sewasew and the Danish Ambassador, Kida Sindbjerg with plans to partner with Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU), and the Ministry of Water & Energy. The project managers hope to enhance the utility of groundwater in Dire Dewa and Hawassa cities. The Danish government has been assisting various developmental and humanitarian programs in Ethiopia, including the WASH program launched back in 2021 by UNICEF which ought to increase access to sanitary services by 2025 for 1.6 billion Br.


Radar

Somali Region Advances Budget Independence as Revenues Rise

Somali Regional State is moving closer to fiscal independence, with nearly half its budget now funded locally. Officials point to rising agricultural output and stronger tax enforcement as key drivers behind growing revenues. The region plans to cover 32.5 billion Br from its own resources in the upcoming fiscal year. Communication Head Mohammed Abdi credited last year's tax collection of 18 billion Br, exceeding the 17 billion Br target, to agriculture, khat, and other taxable goods. The reg...


Radar

Environmental Protection Authority Shuts Down Polluters

Addis Abeba's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has taken enforcement action against 3,249 manufacturers and service providers found violating environmental standards in the 2024/25 fiscal year. The violations, ranging from air and noise pollution to improper waste disposal, were identified during inspections of 14,872 businesses citywide. Penalties included warnings and closures, with shutdown orders issued to six plastic factories, 23 block factories, a soft paper plant, 102 nightclu...


Radar

Ministry Mandates Full Electronic Clearance for Top Taxpayers

Taxpayers under the Ministry of Revenues' Medium No. 1 branch will have to ditch paper filings and switch entirely to the e-Clearance system for non-audited services starting August 1, 2025. The mandate, routed through the Ministry's e-filing portal, is pitched as part of a broader push to modernise tax administration and advance the government's digital agenda. Officials say the platform lets users process clearance requests remotely via the Fayda national ID, cutting out manual paperwork. A...